How well does congress use the power of the purse?

Question 1

What is the ‘power of the purse’?

Answer 1

The power of the purse refers to the ability of Congress to control government spending and taxation.

Question 2

True or False: The President has the sole authority to allocate federal funds.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Which article of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to tax and spend?

Answer 3

Article I

Question 4

Fill in the blank: The House of Representatives must initiate all ______ bills.

Answer 4

revenue

Question 5

What role does the Senate play in the budget process?

Answer 5

The Senate reviews, amends, and votes on budget proposals passed by the House.

Question 6

Multiple Choice: Which committee is primarily responsible for drafting budget legislation in the House?

Answer 6

House Committee on Appropriations

Question 7

What is a continuing resolution?

Answer 7

A continuing resolution is a type of legislation that allows federal agencies to continue operating at current funding levels when a new budget has not been passed.

Question 8

True or False: Congress can override a presidential veto of budget legislation.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What is the significance of the Budget Control Act of 2011?

Answer 9

It established caps on discretionary spending and created a mechanism for automatic spending cuts.

Question 10

Short Answer: How does Congress influence the executive branch’s budget proposals?

Answer 10

Congress can accept, amend, or reject the President’s budget proposals during the appropriations process.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The ______ clause allows Congress to impose taxes.

Answer 11

Taxing

Question 12

Multiple Choice: What is an earmark?

Answer 12

A provision in legislation that allocates funds for specific projects or purposes.

Question 13

What is the role of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)?

Answer 13

The CBO provides nonpartisan budgetary and economic information to Congress.

Question 14

True or False: Congress has unlimited power to spend without any checks.

Answer 14

False

Question 15

Short Answer: What is the purpose of the appropriations process?

Answer 15

To allocate specific funding to federal agencies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year.

Question 16

What does the term ‘discretionary spending’ refer to?

Answer 16

Discretionary spending refers to the portion of the budget that is decided by Congress through the annual appropriations process.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: Mandatory spending includes programs such as ______ and Social Security.

Answer 17

Medicare

Question 18

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a power of Congress regarding the budget?

Answer 18

Setting monetary policy

Question 19

Short Answer: Why is the power of the purse considered a check on the executive branch?

Answer 19

It allows Congress to control funding and limit the President’s ability to spend without legislative approval.

Question 20

What is the purpose of budget reconciliation?

Answer 20

Budget reconciliation is a process that allows expedited consideration of certain tax, spending, and debt limit legislation.